Network or Computer Support Specialist design, install and support an organization's
LAN/WAN, Internet/Intranet system. They provide onside administrative support for
computer users in a variety of work environments.

By maintaining network hardware and software, analyzing problems, and monitoring network
resources; they ensure computer systems availability and reliability to the users.
They work closely with their customers as they design and optimize the network systems.
Network security is also their responsibility.

Clinton Community College is a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Local Academy, and offers an AAS degree
in Computer Networking as well as short-term certificates in: CCNA, A+ Preparation
and Network+ Preparation.

Muscatine Community College is a CCNA Local Academy and offers an AAS degree in Information Technology with a
Computer Networking or Computer Programming concentration. Certificate programs are
available in CCNA, Web Design, and Helpdesk. High school students can take college
level computer courses and earn college credit towards their AAS degree.

Scott Community College offers AAS Degrees in Computer Programming and Computer Networking as well as the
Cisco CCNA and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certificate programs and
a certificate in Web Design.

Award Options

Associate in Applied Science - Network Concentration

Certificate - CISCO Networking (CCNA)

Certificate - Computer Repair and Help Desk Support

Certificate - Wireless LAN

Certificate - A+ Test Preparation

Certificate - Network + Test Preparation

Job Outlook

Demand for Networking/Computer Support Specialists is expected to increase by 18
percent because of the rapid pace of improved technology. As computers and software
become more complex, Support Specialist will be needed to provide technical assistance
to customers and other users.

Consulting opportunities shoul d also continue to grow as businesses increasingly
need help managing, upgrading, and customizing more complex computer systems. Wireless
security and forensics are becoming "hot topics" in the job outlook.

Median annual earning for Networking/Computer Support Specialists, with less than
one year experience, were $46,260 in 2010.